Karen peacefully passed to higher ground on Monday, December 27, 2021, age 68. Karen’s devotion and love truly continue to inspire us. She pursued her spiritual journey throughout her entire life and accepted her ministerial ordination in 1981, later becoming the pastor of a Spiritualist church for five years. Devoted wife of the late Michael Gutzmer. Loving and caring daughter of the late Duane Marie and George Anthony Durski and stepdaughter of the late Sylvester Sowinski. Cherished sister of Mark (Diane) Sowinski, Cheryl Sowinski, and James (Jennifer) Sowinski.  Special aunt of Adam Kartes, Mary (Anthony) LaPointe, Kathryn Sowinski, Peter (Megan) Sowinski, Elaina Sowinski, and Matthew Sowinski. Great-aunt of Claire LaPointe. Dear sister-in-law of Rose Gutzmer and special aunt of Megan (Julio) Garcia. Further loved and survived by other relatives and friends.

Private Inurnment at St. Adalbert Cemetery. We hope to gather outdoors in the spring with family and friends to remember and memorialize Karen and her deep connection to the God Source in her life. Our family wishes to thank the staff members at Froedtert Hospital, Linden Grove Communities rehabilitation facility, ProHealthcare Waukesha Memorial Hospital, and the extraordinary compassion of Angels Grace Hospice of Oconomowoc.

“Seek ye the kingdom within.” We will miss you, Karen, and always love you!